INDONESIA SUPPORTS BURMA’S DEMOCRATIZATION EFFORTS
Tempo Interaktif - October 19, 2007TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: The Indonesian government supports the efforts of democratization in Burma. “President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono conveyed his view about the necessity to push the process in Myanmar (a new name given by the junta leader for Burma) from many aspects,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirajuda during a press conference after accompanying the United Nations’ special envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, to the President’s office, Thursday (18/10).
The aspects that must be advocated in Burma, said Hassan, are not only related to democracy and human rights. “But also security and stability as potential threats to Myanmar’s disintegration,” said Hassan.
Hassan said the aspect that must also be taken into account is the way of handling psychological issues in Burma. “Meaning the sense of insecurity and inconvenience of the ruling government in the context of the new Myanmar,” said Hassan.
The President, said Hassan, also supports what Gambari has been doing to solve the problem in Burma. Gambari has visited Thailand, Malaysia, India, China and Indonesia. “An approaching dialog is expected to be able to impel the commitment for dialog implementation, and the dialog to be carried out is productive,” said Gambari during the press conference.
After the conference, Hassan explained that there are many dimensions for solving the problem in Burma. “Including releasing Aung San Suu Kyi from her being a political prisoner,” said Hassan. However, he said, poverty and humanitarian problems are no less important.
According to Hassan, Yudhoyono has been corresponding with the junta leader, Gen. Than Shwe. In the letter, the Indonesian government conveyed appreciation for Myanmar’s response that decided to receive Gambari. “Including facilitating the meeting between Gambari and Aung San Suu Kyi,” said Hassan. The President viewed this as an initial success.
Than Shwe, said Hassan, replied toYudhoyono’s letter. “Basically, (Than Shwe) appreciates Indonesia’s understanding, in terms of viewing the matter faced by Myanmar in many dimensions,” said Hassan.
Fanny Febiana
Sumber: Tempo Interaktif - www.tempointeraktif.com